Heart and Circulatory System
Your circulatory system is made up of your heart, blood, blood vessels and lungs. In your circulatory system your heart pumps blood transporting nutrients, water and oxygen to your bodys cells. Your circulatory system allows your lungs to rid the body of waste and carbon dioxide and bring oxygen into your blood.
Exercise and healthy eating are two ways you can help keep your circulatory system healthy. Smoking does damage to healthy blood circulation. When you smoke the carbon monoxide and nicotine entering your body have negative effects on your blood and blood vessels and constrict circulation.
Signs of poor circulation include cold hands and feet, numbness, dizziness, migraines, varicose veins and pain in your feet or legs. Consult a doctor if you have these symptoms. Untreated, poor circulation can lead to stroke, high blood pressure, kidney damage and other diseases.
Recently Answered
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- Q Which is more important, systolic or diastolic blood pressure?
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In the past, your physician may have told you that your diastolic blood pressure number is the one that is more important. In the last few years, however, research has emerged that points to the systolic number as important as well, and perhaps more... Full Answer
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- Q What can I eat to prevent plaque in my arteries?
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- Q What is arterial plaque made up of?
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- Q What is peripheral artery disease (PAD)?
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You may have heard the term PAD and wondered what it refers to. PAD is a commonly used acronym for peripheral artery disease, a serious but treatable condition that affects the blood vessels. PAD is like coronary artery disease only PAD mostly affects... Full Answer
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- Q What is coronary artery disease (CAD)?
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- Q What is the long-term outlook for babies born with coronary heart disease?
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- Q How are vascular diseases treated?
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- Q How important is healthy eating after menopause to prevent heart disease?
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